Chocolate and Cinnamon biscotti

These biscotti combine two of my favorite flavors -- chocolate and cinnamon. And the combination results in a really amazing flavor. All of my friends who have tasted them rank them among their favorite biscotti and thus they were a part of the cookie trays that I distributed to many friends in Le Marche this holiday season. I am sure they will be loved by your family and friends as well.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil and sugar and mix for 1 to 2 minutes. (I use the kitchen aid for steps 2-4. But be aware that by the time you add the last of the flour your mixer may be laboring hard because of the viscosity of the dough.)

Step 3: Add the egg and egg yolk, baking powder, and vanilla to the oil and sugar mixture and mix thoroughly until your eggs are light in color. Then add in the chocolate powder and cinnamon and mix. Step 4: Add one cup of flour to the mixture and mix until it is fully integrated with the oil mixture. Now add about 2/3 of the remaining flour and mix well. Depending on the size of your eggs, you may need to use the entire amount of flour, but it is possible that you will use less. Your dough should remain a little sticky, but not so sticky that you can not handle it, Add more of the flour if needed.

Step 5: Transfer the dough from the mixing bowl to a well floured surface. As the dough will still be a little sticky, knead it for about 30 seconds on the floured surface forming it into a round.

Step 6: Cut the round of dough into two equal pieces and roll each half of the dough by hand into a log shape. Your log will be approximately 9 - 10 inches in length. Transfer the log to your baking sheet and pat down the top of each log slightly.

Step 7: Bake in a 350 degree oven for approximately 20 minutes until the logs are starting to brown on top and are somewhat firm to the touch.

Step 8: Remove the logs from the oven and let cool for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. When the logs are cool, cut them into diagonal slices about ¾ of an inch in thickness. (I find this works better if I do not use a serrated knife, but many recipes suggest using a serrated knife. Try both and see what works best for you.)

Step 9: Place the sliced biscotti back on the baking sheet and return to the oven for approximately 12 minutes turning each biscotti over after 7 minutes. Biscotti should take on a lightly golden brown appearance.

Step 10: Remove the biscotti from the oven, let cool and enjoy. Biscotti will keep well in an airtight container for several days. Recipe yields approximately 22-24 biscotti.